BENNINGTON, VT (June 15, 2026) – MissionCare at Bennington is proud to announce that Kyle Earl, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing Services (ADNS), has been named the 2026 Northeast Region Nurse Leader of the Year by the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA).
The award was presented on June 9, 2026, during NADONA’s 39th National Conference in Dallas, Texas, recognizing outstanding nurse leaders from across the United States who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to resident care, staff development, clinical excellence, and leadership within the long-term and post-acute care profession.
Check out a video about Kyle and this award here…
According to its website, NADONA was founded in 1986, is the nation’s leading professional association for nursing leaders working in long-term care. The organization represents thousands of Directors of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing, infection preventionists, clinical leaders, and other nursing professionals dedicated to advancing quality care for older adults and individuals with complex healthcare needs. Each year, NADONA recognizes one Nurse Leader of the Year from each region of the country, with recipients selected through a highly competitive nomination and review process. The award is considered one of the most respected honors for nursing leadership in the long-term care profession.
Candidates are evaluated on their leadership accomplishments, professional contributions, commitment to excellence, and impact on residents, families, and fellow caregivers. Award recipients are selected by a NADONA awards committee through a blind review process, ensuring recognition is based solely on merit and achievement.
For those who work alongside him every day, Kyle’s selection comes as no surprise. Since joining MissionCare at Bennington, he has consistently demonstrated a resident-centered approach, strong clinical expertise, and a commitment to supporting and mentoring fellow team members. His leadership has helped strengthen clinical operations while fostering a culture of compassion, accountability, and teamwork.
“Kyle exemplifies the type of nursing leader who makes a lasting difference,” said Jess DeRing, MissionCare Health’s Director of Operations. “He is deeply committed to our residents, supportive of his colleagues, and dedicated to continually improving the quality of care we provide. This recognition is a reflection of his hard work, professionalism, and passion for serving others.”
The entire MissionCare at Bennington team extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kyle on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to see his leadership recognized on a national stage and grateful for the impact he makes each day for our residents, families, and staff.
